Victorian Gold Filled Swiss Enamel Earrings

SKU: 36388

$395

Swiss Enameled pieces were commonly produced to be sold as souvenirs for Victorian travelers. A very fine type of enameling, this technique used very intricate detail and often portrayed scenic Swiss Alps villages with streams, mountains and wonderful homes and churches. These serene images were produced by first covering a piece of metal in a neutral enameled color. A wonderful detailed picture was then painted on the enameled base and re-fired to set the image. A clear glaze was then applied to the image to preserve it. The pieces were often set in a hollow frame making them very light and comfortable to wear.

Although these earrings do not depict a scenic Swiss image, they are indeed an absolutely wonderful example of the Swiss Enamel fine craft! These wonderful earrings are from the Victorian era (ca1850) and are very unusual and large in size. The surmount of each is represented by a diamond shaped topper enameled with a flower design. Hanging from the surmount is a single gold filled link that is inlaid with a rich black and white enameled design, also depicting delicate flowers. The link is an elongated diamond shape and has a beautiful scrolled border. The design is simply marvelous and carries onto both sides of the earrings. Extremely light in weight, the earrings have a hollow center and are very comfortable to wear. These wonderfully elaborate and unusual earrings are a must for any Swiss Enamel collection!

Measurements: The earrings hang approximately 2 5/8" long, are 1/2" at the widest point and 3/16" thick.

Condition: The overall condition of the earrings is good. There is normal wear and a natural patina to the gold filled setting and a few minor chips in the enamel, however this does not detract from the beauty of the earrings and not unusual for enameled earrings from the 1880's.